Apple Breaks New Ground with In-House Modem
In a landmark development, Apple’s first self-developed 5G modem, Sinope, will debut in 2025 alongside the new iPhone SE. The modem signifies Apple’s transition towards greater technological autonomy, reducing its reliance on external vendors like Qualcomm.

A Closer Look at the Sinope Modem
Developed over five years, Sinope supports sub-6 5G but lacks mmWave functionality. Despite this, its integration with Apple processors offers superior power efficiency and satellite connectivity. Lab tests show speeds reaching 4Gbps, which, while below Qualcomm’s benchmarks, is a strong start for Apple’s proprietary technology.

The modem also features an Apple-designed RF front-end system called Carpo, tailored for optimal network performance. This design ensures robust connectivity and aligns perfectly with Apple’s ecosystem.

iPhone SE: A Modern Redesign
The next iPhone SE will combine this modem with an edge-to-edge screen, aligning with Apple’s design evolution. Advanced features like Apple Intelligence and dual SIM standby are expected, making the device a standout in its class.

Apple’s Long-Term Modem Strategy
This initial release is just the beginning. Apple’s second-generation modem, slated for 2026, will introduce mmWave support and advanced carrier aggregation. By 2027, the third-generation modem will incorporate AI enhancements and state-of-the-art satellite features, potentially outperforming Qualcomm’s technology.

Apple’s roadmap showcases its ambition to innovate within its hardware ecosystem, ensuring tighter integration, enhanced user experience, and a reduced dependency on third-party solutions. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in Apple’s journey toward complete hardware autonomy.